PROJECT

Umoyo Wa Ana Athu – Our Children’s Health

The Malawi - Else Kröner Child Health Programme: Levering Synergies for Prevention and Care

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NCD PROJECT

WHAT WE DO

This project aims to achieve the following goals:

  • Develop a national NCD child health service package: guidelines, training materials and communication tools, including an interactive web app for Malawian healthcare workers.
  • Roll out the NCD package´s elements nationally, prioritizing geographical areas most in need

  • Monitor and evaluate the NCD package´s impact on existing child health services

      

WHY WE DO IT

With over half its population under 18, Malawi anticipates doubling its
population by 2050.

While the threat of infectious diseases has diminished, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) now constitute a significant portion of the disease burden among children and adolescents in Malawi. However, healthcare workers are ill-prepared to address the changing health needs due to insufficient training and outdated resources for child NCDs. 

 

HOW WE DO IT


1.Child Health NCD Guidelines

The development of paediatric NCD guidelines involved reviewing existing guidelines and incorporating insights from 30+ senior paediatricians across Malawi´s healthcare facilities. Each chapter combines clinical and public health aspects for a comprehensive approach. The final product undergoes internal and external reviews by project core members, paediatricians, external reviewers and relevant stakeholders.


2. Digital Strategy

We are developing a user-friendly app to deliver guidelines, support interactive training and foster collaboration among healthcare workers. The app is designed to be used offline and to track the app´s utilization. Feedback will be collected from healthcare workers to evaluate the overall acceptance and usability of the app.


3. Guideline implementation – Trainings of Trainers

Under the guidance of PACHA, the guidelines will be implemented initially through group training sessions utilizing the paper-based guidelines and the newly developed app.


4. Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials

IEC materials are being developed and deployed to inform patients, including children and their caregivers, about the importance of prevention, early screening and detection of NCDs, and the associated risks, as well as preventive measures. These materials aim to raise awareness and prevent negative consequences stemming from chronic conditions.


5. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)

The M&E process, utilizing interrupted time series analysis, will track project progress and success in central and district hospitals, along with designated health centres. Primary data sources include the Health Management Information System, patient mastercards, caretaker exit interviews, and healthcare worker surveys.

 

to get more information about our guideline

TEAM

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Prof. Yamikani F.G. Chimalizeni

  • Consultant Paediatrician, Paediatric Cardiologist at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Malawi

  • Associate Professor of Paediatrics and Child Health at Kamuzu University of Health Science, Malawi

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Dr. Emmie Mbale

  • Consultant Paediatrician at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Malawi
  • Lecturer at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Malawi
  • Vice President, Paediatric and Child Health Association (PACHA), Malawi

     
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Chifundo Mchawa, MPH

  • Project Manager, Paediatrics & Child Health Association (PACHA), Malawi
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Emmanuel Mphepo

  • Monitoring and Evaluation officer, Paediatric and Child Health Association (PACHA), Malawi
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Merline Atulimbire Majawa

  • Administrator
  • Paediatrics & Child HEalth Association (PACHA), Malawi
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Matilda Lali

  • Administrator
  • Paediatrics & Child Health Association (PACHA), Malawi
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Prof. Elizabeth Molyneux, OBE., DSc.,

  • Emeritus Professor of Paediatrics and Child Health at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Malawi
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PD Dr. Carsten Krüger, MD, MIH, FRCPCH

  • Lecturer at Friede Springer Endowed Professorship for Global Child Health, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Germany
  • Consultant Paediatrician, Neonatologist, Paediatric Gastroenterologist,
  • Head of Department of Paediatrics and Neonatology, St. Franziskus Hospital Ahlen, Germany
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Prof. Ralf Weigel MD, MSc., PhD, FRCPCH

  • Professor at the Friede Springer Endowed Professorship for Global Child Health at the Faculty of Health, Witten/ Herdecke University, Germany 
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Univ.-Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Ralph Brinks, DiplMath, MA, MSE,

  • Professor and Chair for Medical Biometry and Epidemiology, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Germany

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Megumi Nagase

  • Research Associate at Friede Springer Endowed Professorship for Global Child Health, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Germany

 

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Pablo Freudenthal

  • Research Assistant at Friede Springer Endowed Professorship for Global Child Health, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Germany

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Christian Neumann

  • Freelance, Software Developer, Germany
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Pilirani Matale

  • Accountant
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Gift Sabakati 

  • Driver